Former First Minister Rhodri Morgan is fronting the drive for a ‘Yes for Wales’ vote in next March’s referendum on granting the Welsh Assembly greater law-making powers.

If the campaign is successful, the assembly will cut a further apron string from the Westminster Government.

And Mr Morgan has said that the further devolution of decision-making powers from Westminster to Cardiff will be of benefit to Cynon Valley.

He maintained a yes vote in the referendum on March 3 will mean politicians with a closer understanding of the Valleys will make more of the decisions affecting the region.

The Cardiff West AM, who sustained high approval ratings during his nine years as First Minister, said Cardiff would have a better understanding than Westminster about the contentious issue of jobs in the Valleys.

A narrow majority in the 1997 referendum led to the formation of the Welsh Assembly in 1999. After 11 years of government, Mr Morgan feels the assembly should have parity with their Scottish and Northern Irish counterparts, who already have primary law-making powers.

“We have taken it slowly in Wales, learnt to walk in terms of legislating and now we are ready to break into a trot,” he said.